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Political season kicks off in Milton
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Small town elections have a history of getting pretty dirty.
In Milton's 2007 go-around, there were anonymous allegations of spousal abuse, tax fraud and snubs to the developmentally disabled, just to name a few of the more egregious attacks.
Which may be why this year all four of Milton's incumbents – Mayor Joe Lockwood and council members Karen Thurman, Bill Lusk and Tina D'Aversa – are pledging unity to each other in the November election.
The four politicians threw a campaign kick-off party together at the Olde Blind Dog pub in Crabapple June 16, and the turnout was staggering for such an early political event. Dozens crowded under a tent at the restaurant to chat with the elected officials and socialize with powerbrokers from all over North Fulton.
Such a move is virtually unheard of in city elections – especially in Milton, which has had a history of discord among council members. But that's all in the past, they say.
"We had a lot of bad publicity initially, some of it deserved," said Thurman. "But I think people are seeing it is not that way anymore. Things are going smooth."
Councilman Bill Lusk said it has been quiet in City Hall recently because council has gotten past its most contentious issues, including sewer, numerous ethics complaints and a bitter 2007 election that saw two council members voted out. Adding to that were high-pressure situations brought on by the launch of a new city.
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"You get seven people into a room and say, 'Get along and get stuff done.' That's a pretty large order," Lusk said. "We've gone beyond that phase, our infancy, and gained a lot of maturity. Now we're acting like a mature council."
That maturity includes sending a clear, concise message, said Fred Hicks, a political consultant and president of HEG, a consulting firm, who worked with Milton politicians in the 2007 elections. He was hired to plan the candidates' campaign kickoff party.
"What has happened since the 2007 election is that you have seen the city mesh," said Hicks. "They are now bound together by mutual respect. They may disagree, but they have the same interests at heart, and that makes it easy for them to work together."
However, said Hicks, the candidates are not "walking in lockstep" and plan on running their campaigns independently. The kickoff party was meant to send that message of unity.
"Council needs to stand united for our citizens," said D'Aversa. "I think it's far more positive if we're supporting each other rather than just doing all own thing. We can't afford to be selfish – we're public servants."
Joe Lockwood, who endorsed the three winning candidates in 2007, naturally agreed. He said the team seated now doesn't always see eye to eye, but respects each other's viewpoints and the larger task at hand.
"My goal is to show our citizens that we're working together," he said. "It's healthy for our city to keep a team mentality and not get into ugly politics.
"We might fight like cats and dogs, like brothers and sisters, but it's all for the good of the city."
Tags: Milton, Milton City Council
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